Seen it at home and don't think I would be even able to stomach it in 3D in theatre. This is a pure nightmare/delight for people with fear of heights (depends if you see it as light entertainment or horror).
Although a bit weak on the characterization, it's captivating for a full two hours. Not bad!
I've seen the documentary. I know the story. I know how it ends. And still, this film had me going through so many emotions and hoping Philippe would make it; hoping that everything was going to be okay. Maybe it's my total rational fear of heights, but there were moments I was scared to death. And any film making me feel such strong emotions -even if it has its flaws- makes for a great film.
Robert Zemeckis' The Walk is the true story of Philippe Petit, the French funambulist who illegally walked the wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in the early '70s. This unusual heist movie - and it's definitely built like a heist film more than a biopic - is at times over-narrated, but the story it tells is important, I think, acting as a eulogy to the towers, and reenacting the tale they USED to be known for. Bittersweet, yes, but a little wonderful. Still a steadfast opponent of the 3D revolution, I didn't see this film in theaters where it seemed to play exclusively in that fomat, but The Walk is probably one of those films that is actually worth seeing in 3D. Except, I'd still say it's not necessary, because 1) the "fly at the screen" 3D moments annoy me, and 2) even though I'm in no way afraid of heights, I've known the touch of vertigo, and even sitting in my living room watching on a flat screen TV, I still squirmed in my seat during the high-wire final act. A thriller in the best sense - i.e. THRILLING - regardless of the film's flaws. I don't remember the last time Joseph Gordon-Levitt made a misstep (oh puns...); his energy is perfect for this, and his French accent is actually pretty legit. Not perfect on all line readings, but on most. I guess that's something only a native French speaker would comment on. Sorry/je m'excuse.
I suffered more in the last 20 minutes of this film that in all the horror movies I have seen in my entire life. Yes, I do know it was comfortably shot in a studio, yes I do know that Joseph Gordon-Levitt never faced any real danger, and yes I knew beforehand the ending was a happy one... but the film still managed to make my hair stand on end and raised my blood pressure beyond acceptable levels. I watched the 2D version, but knowing what I know now, I wouldn't watch this in 3D.
I hope it's not the intention to make a film about every bizarre human achievement. Otherwise we'll be looking at a whole series of movies. Besides the shown dazzling images, I thought it was just a soporific spectacle. Halfway the movie I dozed off. Fortunately that didn't happen to Philippe Petit while he was swinging on that steel cord between the Twin Towers. However, there are two things about this film that stand out. First of all, the used camera technique. I myself suffer from fear of heights and "The Walk" gave me often anxiety attacks and a spinning sensation. It managed to get me as far as holding my hands in front of my eyes. You won't see me do that even during the most terrifying horror. And then there's Joseph "Looper" Gordon-Levitt talking with a French accent. Although he could have made a caricature out of Petit easily, he managed to play the driven, passionate Frenchman with gusto.
Already from the opening scene you know what you can expect. Philippe speaks to the public from the top of the Statue of Liberty and introduces this true story. The way he tells the story with enthusiasm and emotion, ensures that your curiosity is aroused. Did he succeed in this dangerous undertaking? Or is he speaking to us from heaven, after he smashed to bits and ended up as a human pizza between the two majestic towers? Those who know the real story, know the outcome of course. And furthermore Phillippe also reveals the ultimate goal early on in the film. So we can't speak of a surprise element anymore.
The first part is about Philippe working as a street artist in Paris. It's there that his passion for walking the wire started. With the help of the circus owner Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), whose family practiced tightrope walking for years, he learns the tricks of the trade. And when he reads an article about the construction of the Twin Towers, he only has one goal in his life and that's to cross the yawning depth between the two towers while walking that rope. What follows is a kind of "Ocean Eleven", to make sure this stunt will be a success. The moment Philippe decides to fulfill this dream, the preparations begin. Figuring out how to achieve it and what equipment is required. Assembling a group of accomplices and create a detailed plan so that nothing would go wrong the day Philippe tries his luck. The second part is about the implementation of this plan. Of course you can expect some setbacks and unexpected obstacles during the attempt, so that it becomes more intense and exciting.
Gordon-Levitt played his role with bravura and with conviction, although the forced sounding accent bothered me at the beginning. All the time I was wondering why they hadn't chosen an authentic French actor. But as the film progressed, I thought it was an admirable performance off him. Kingsley's part was extremely funny. But for me the two helping hands from the United States, summoned by a shop owner, were really amusing. Charlotte Le Bon is a lovable and frail appearance, but served merely as an attribute (such as the flexible stick Philippe uses during his tightrope walking) in a parallel storyline. All in all an entertaining and at times terribly intense film. But it didn't reach the same level as Philippe did during his famous act.
PS. Finally I want to mention that I find it a huge achievement from the filmmakers they weren't tempted to make it a kind of tribute to the Twin Towers and avoided to use any reference to what ultimately happened with these towers.
All they show in this movie is a determined and self-confessed crazy guy who walks on wires or ropes across two trees or buildings or as we all know the twin tower. Once he completes walking from one tower to another, he returns and walks back to the first tower and back again. He not only walks, but sits and lies down on his back on the rope.. think about it.. we don't need 123 minutes to see the same thing over and over!!
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Comments 1 - 12 of 12
God
people who liked this movie, be sure to watch the documentary "man on wire"!! it's amazingBanjay
The technical marvel that is the title sequence is hands down the most resonating moment of any film this year!Torgo
Seen it at home and don't think I would be even able to stomach it in 3D in theatre. This is a pure nightmare/delight for people with fear of heights (depends if you see it as light entertainment or horror).Although a bit weak on the characterization, it's captivating for a full two hours. Not bad!
Nilkes
I've seen the documentary. I know the story. I know how it ends. And still, this film had me going through so many emotions and hoping Philippe would make it; hoping that everything was going to be okay. Maybe it's my total rational fear of heights, but there were moments I was scared to death. And any film making me feel such strong emotions -even if it has its flaws- makes for a great film.craigfoot
Pretty sure @filmyjo doesn't know this is a true story.Siskoid
Robert Zemeckis' The Walk is the true story of Philippe Petit, the French funambulist who illegally walked the wire between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in the early '70s. This unusual heist movie - and it's definitely built like a heist film more than a biopic - is at times over-narrated, but the story it tells is important, I think, acting as a eulogy to the towers, and reenacting the tale they USED to be known for. Bittersweet, yes, but a little wonderful. Still a steadfast opponent of the 3D revolution, I didn't see this film in theaters where it seemed to play exclusively in that fomat, but The Walk is probably one of those films that is actually worth seeing in 3D. Except, I'd still say it's not necessary, because 1) the "fly at the screen" 3D moments annoy me, and 2) even though I'm in no way afraid of heights, I've known the touch of vertigo, and even sitting in my living room watching on a flat screen TV, I still squirmed in my seat during the high-wire final act. A thriller in the best sense - i.e. THRILLING - regardless of the film's flaws. I don't remember the last time Joseph Gordon-Levitt made a misstep (oh puns...); his energy is perfect for this, and his French accent is actually pretty legit. Not perfect on all line readings, but on most. I guess that's something only a native French speaker would comment on. Sorry/je m'excuse.ZEDG
Wonderful film!jm_london
Not for the faint-hearted.I suffered more in the last 20 minutes of this film that in all the horror movies I have seen in my entire life. Yes, I do know it was comfortably shot in a studio, yes I do know that Joseph Gordon-Levitt never faced any real danger, and yes I knew beforehand the ending was a happy one... but the film still managed to make my hair stand on end and raised my blood pressure beyond acceptable levels. I watched the 2D version, but knowing what I know now, I wouldn't watch this in 3D.
ikkegoemikke
"For me, to walk on the wire, this is life."I hope it's not the intention to make a film about every bizarre human achievement. Otherwise we'll be looking at a whole series of movies. Besides the shown dazzling images, I thought it was just a soporific spectacle. Halfway the movie I dozed off. Fortunately that didn't happen to Philippe Petit while he was swinging on that steel cord between the Twin Towers. However, there are two things about this film that stand out. First of all, the used camera technique. I myself suffer from fear of heights and "The Walk" gave me often anxiety attacks and a spinning sensation. It managed to get me as far as holding my hands in front of my eyes. You won't see me do that even during the most terrifying horror. And then there's Joseph "Looper" Gordon-Levitt talking with a French accent. Although he could have made a caricature out of Petit easily, he managed to play the driven, passionate Frenchman with gusto.
Already from the opening scene you know what you can expect. Philippe speaks to the public from the top of the Statue of Liberty and introduces this true story. The way he tells the story with enthusiasm and emotion, ensures that your curiosity is aroused. Did he succeed in this dangerous undertaking? Or is he speaking to us from heaven, after he smashed to bits and ended up as a human pizza between the two majestic towers? Those who know the real story, know the outcome of course. And furthermore Phillippe also reveals the ultimate goal early on in the film. So we can't speak of a surprise element anymore.
The first part is about Philippe working as a street artist in Paris. It's there that his passion for walking the wire started. With the help of the circus owner Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley), whose family practiced tightrope walking for years, he learns the tricks of the trade. And when he reads an article about the construction of the Twin Towers, he only has one goal in his life and that's to cross the yawning depth between the two towers while walking that rope. What follows is a kind of "Ocean Eleven", to make sure this stunt will be a success. The moment Philippe decides to fulfill this dream, the preparations begin. Figuring out how to achieve it and what equipment is required. Assembling a group of accomplices and create a detailed plan so that nothing would go wrong the day Philippe tries his luck. The second part is about the implementation of this plan. Of course you can expect some setbacks and unexpected obstacles during the attempt, so that it becomes more intense and exciting.
Gordon-Levitt played his role with bravura and with conviction, although the forced sounding accent bothered me at the beginning. All the time I was wondering why they hadn't chosen an authentic French actor. But as the film progressed, I thought it was an admirable performance off him. Kingsley's part was extremely funny. But for me the two helping hands from the United States, summoned by a shop owner, were really amusing. Charlotte Le Bon is a lovable and frail appearance, but served merely as an attribute (such as the flexible stick Philippe uses during his tightrope walking) in a parallel storyline. All in all an entertaining and at times terribly intense film. But it didn't reach the same level as Philippe did during his famous act.
PS. Finally I want to mention that I find it a huge achievement from the filmmakers they weren't tempted to make it a kind of tribute to the Twin Towers and avoided to use any reference to what ultimately happened with these towers.
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
DaniloFreiles
Già dal trailer mi venivano i brividi ai reni. Che ansia.kurvduam
(removed by mod: please post in English)filmyjo
All they show in this movie is a determined and self-confessed crazy guy who walks on wires or ropes across two trees or buildings or as we all know the twin tower. Once he completes walking from one tower to another, he returns and walks back to the first tower and back again. He not only walks, but sits and lies down on his back on the rope.. think about it.. we don't need 123 minutes to see the same thing over and over!!